Google’s next streaming player looks nothing like the Chromecast

Google appears set to ditch the HDMI dongle design of all its older streaming devices in favor of a more conventional set-top box. 9to5Google has released images of the upcoming product, which is apparently called the “Google TV Streamer.” So not only will the look Old Chromecasts are disappearing, but so is the name.

The new device features a sloping top and its overall design is in line with other recent Google devices. As for the included remote, it’s essentially similar to the one that came with the last-gen Chromecast, though this one is longer and has a volume rocker right on the front.

The Google TV Streamer is expected to debut at the company’s hardware event on August 13, alongside a litany of other products including the Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, Pixel 9 Pro Fold, Pixel 9, Pixel Watch 3, Pixel Watch 3 XL, and likely a few other surprises.

I’ve been waiting for Google to develop a more powerful streaming player that could be a formidable competitor to the Apple TV 4K. The Chromecast with Google TV, introduced in 2020, never quite got there, leaving the Nvidia Shield as the best alternative in terms of performance. In a few weeks, we’ll all have a better idea of ​​whether the Google TV Streamer ups the ante or keeps the specs in check to hit Google’s usual sub-$100 price point.